84 mins
Teams learn their fate in opening National Cup and National Shield draws for 26-27
Three Last 32 ties were pulled out in the Women’s National Cup, with 2025-26 runners-up Malory Eagles UEL landing a home clash with last season’s National Shield finalists Reading Aces.
Leeds Gorse, back in the competition after missing last season, were paired with fellow NVL Division 1 side Cambridge ARU.
MAAREE Women’s Super League newcomers London Giants will look to get their season off to a flyer as they journey to Merseyside to take on NVL Division 1’s Everton Belugas.
13 other teams were given byes through to the Last16 stage, including last season’s winners Durham Palatinates and 2023-24 champions Team SideOut Polonia.
In the Men’s National Cup, just one DYNAMIK Men’s Super League team will face a Last 32 tie, with newly-promoted Essex Blaze hosting 2025-26 National Shield winners Darkstar Derbyshire.
Among the five other ties, Durham Palatinates - relegated from the top-flight last season - will make the long trip to NVL Division 1 side Dartford Crossers.
Both last season’s finalists, winners London Giants and runners-up Malory Eagles UEL, were given byes.
The Last 64 and Last 32 ties of the National Shield were also drawn, with Student Project Officers Ruby Farrell and Josh King doing the honours.
Teams were split into one of four zones – North, Central, South East and South West – with teams knowing both their opening and potentially second opponents.
Last 64 National Shield ties will be played on 28th and 29th September 2026, while Last 32 matches in both competitions will take place on 14th and 15th November 2026.
You can watch the full draws for all of the matches on the Volleyball England YouTube Channel here.
